Urethral syndrome is a relatively unknown, but surprisingly common, condition that mimics a urinary tract infection (UTI). According to the Digital Urology journal, symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, painful urination and general discomfort in the lower abdominal area. However, whereas UTIs and vaginal infections tend to be caused by bacteria, urethral syndrome isn’t caused by bacteria and therefore isn’t treatable with antibiotics.

The cause of urethral syndrome is unknown, so, consequently, there is no definitive treatment. Urethral symptom is diagnosed after other possibilities, like a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted infection, have been ruled out. Symptoms can persist for months. Women with recurring symptoms are often advised to see a urologist, who will do further testing to discover the cause and most effective treatment for each individual case.